Skip to main content
Miguel Hortiguela
Miguel Hortiguela
Inspiring
November 24, 2021
Answered

Add & Subtract Mask Brush Not Working

  • November 24, 2021
  • 8 replies
  • 12760 views

Hi:

 

I selected the sky using the new Masking feature. I noticed that it selected some areas beyond the sky that I wanted to remove from the selection.  So, I selected the Subtract option and the Brush Tool to clean up the selection, but it didn't produce the expected result ie. remove areas from the selection.

 

I'm on a PC desktop with Windows 10 & Lr v 11.0.1

 

Thanks for your time.

    Correct answer JohanElzenga

    One definitely can subtract by using a brush! If you can't, then post that screenshot and maybe we can see what you are doing wrong. One possibility is that you have selected the 'Erase' option for the brush, thinking you need to use that. You don't, however. You have to click subtract, choose the brush and then use that brush the normal way. You are creating a submask with the brush, and that submask is already subtracted. Erase is only for if you brushed a bit over an edge and want to undo that.

     

    8 replies

    I
    IgnacioSottano
    Participant
    November 11, 2023

    In my case it was that when i made the substract mask brush to remove an existing mask the default density and flow for that brush was insanely low. Increasing its values did the trick, hope it helps! 

      degibox
      degibox
      Known Participant
      August 4, 2022

      Yeah. When using the "select subject" and "select sky" masking tools, sometimes the "subtract from mask" feature works, and sometimes it doesn't. Won't even let me click on it. It's a real head scratcher.

       

        leonardc47848464
        leonardc47848464
        Participant
        June 1, 2022

        I dont know whether this thread is still active. I have grappled with this problem for months. I watched every video to no avail. The key is very simple: one has to increase the density of the brush. Then the +and - works like a dream. I think someone did mention this before. The problem with videos is they sometimes gloss over the most basic essential assuming everyone knows the basics

          S
          Stefano25453139jsrx
          Participant
          August 1, 2022

          I confirm, I had the same problem. For some reason the "density" of the brush was reduced to zero. Increasing it starts to make the "subtract" action effective. Using low values (i.e. 20-30) makes the process more robust (i.e. you actually remove areas you paint a few times) and gives the possibility to "feather" the subtraction.

          GoldingD
          GoldingD
          Legend
          November 26, 2021

          The Brush, are you perhaps clicking on the Erase button, or holding down ALT, Wrong

           

          Terrygoan
          Terrygoan
          Participant
          November 26, 2021

          Thanks everybody, I did get it to worki.  I had the density slider all the way to the left.  

            Miguel Hortiguela
            Miguel HortiguelaAuthor
            Inspiring
            November 25, 2021

            Hi Everyone:

             

            Thanks to everyone that piped in on my head scratcher.  I've watched the suggested video and it did shed some light on how the tools work. It appears that, for now, one can't subtract by using the Brush but I was able to do so with the Radial Gradient.

             

            It's a work in progress and a wonderful new tool to help us cut down on some of our post production time.  However, for anyone out there that does this for a living.  Don't kid yourselves, we still need to know what tools to use and how to wield them which takes time regardless.  So don't short change your fees for Post Production work.

             

            Owning a hammer doesn't make one a skilled carpenter.

             

            Miguel

            JohanElzenga
            Community Expert
            JohanElzengaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
            Community Expert
            November 25, 2021

            One definitely can subtract by using a brush! If you can't, then post that screenshot and maybe we can see what you are doing wrong. One possibility is that you have selected the 'Erase' option for the brush, thinking you need to use that. You don't, however. You have to click subtract, choose the brush and then use that brush the normal way. You are creating a submask with the brush, and that submask is already subtracted. Erase is only for if you brushed a bit over an edge and want to undo that.

             

            -- Johan W. Elzenga
              Miguel Hortiguela
              Miguel HortiguelaAuthor
              Inspiring
              November 28, 2021

              It must've been me, because I've repeated what I was attempting to do the first time around and I can attest to the fact that the Brush can definitely be used to add subtract to a mask.

               

              Thanks everyone,

              Miguel

              R
              Community Expert
              richardplondonCommunity Expert
              Community Expert
              November 25, 2021

              I suggest you check the settings on your Brush - Flow, and Density. It is easy to accidentally change this e.g. by pressing a number key, and then using the brush can have little to no effect so far as altering the mask - whether adding, or subtracting.

                juresti
                juresti
                Known Participant
                March 9, 2022

                This worked for me!

                 

                  GoldingD
                  GoldingD
                  Legend
                  November 24, 2021

                  Screenshot?

                   

                  TheDigitalDog
                  TheDigitalDog
                  Inspiring
                  November 24, 2021

                  In terms of adding/subtracting/inverting and such, here's a great video to watch:

                  https://scottdavenportphoto.com/blog/how-to-invert-simple-and-complex-masks-in-lightroom

                   

                  Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"
                  Terrygoan
                  Terrygoan
                  Participant
                  November 25, 2021

                  I am using a Mac.  I have created several differnt mask on several different photos.   I can not subtract from the mask using the brush tool.  I have watched all the videos you recomended but nothing works.

                    N
                    Naipes
                    Participant
                    January 16, 2023

                    I can't either!!!!


                    That makes 3 of us.

                     

                      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
                      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices